Global shark attacks up in 2011, none were in US

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) – A new report finds that fatal shark attacks worldwide last year reach their highest level in two decades, though there were none in the U.S.

The University of Florida released its International Shark Attack File report for 2011 on Tuesday.

The U.S. and Florida saw a five-year downturn in the number of reported unprovoked attacks.

But ichthyologist George Burgess says the 12 fatalities could show tourists are venturing to more remote places with less access to immediate medical care. The number of deaths in 2011 doubled from 2010.

A total of 75 attacks were reported worldwide, which is close to the decade average. Florida led the U.S. with 11 of the nation’s 29 attacks.